UK horse racing mourns trainer John Dunlop

Trainer John Dunlop with Times Up after winning The Stobart Doncaster. - AAP

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Multiple Classic-winning trainer John Dunlop has died at the age of 78.

Dunlop saddled two winners of the Derby in Shirley Heights (1978) and Erhaab (1994).

He also won the St Leger three times, the 1000 Guineas three times and the Oaks twice, with the 2000 Guineas the only British Classic to elude him.

Dunlop was awarded an OBE for his charitable work and was responsible for more than 3500 winners before retiring at the end of the 2012 season, having first taken out a licence in 1966.

Married to Susan in 1965, Dunlop's two sons, Ed and Harry, are both successful trainers.

Ed Dunlop, a regular visitor to Australia for major racing carnivals, said in a statement to Press Association Sport: "Very sadly my father died last night after a long battle following surgery in Worthing Hospital.

"He will be greatly missed by so many. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and also a brilliant trainer. He also gave tirelessly to charity work."